protection for NM cable (romex)

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kboswell

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Our Building Official asked, "Where does it say you have to protect romex in the attic?"
I led him to Article 334.23 which references Article 320.23(a). However, He disagrees and says that article addresses "floor joist".
Help!! Maybe if he sees responses in this forum he will see the light!! :roll:
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

I believe the code is refering to the structural members that are used to secure ceiling material to and can be used as floor joists in an accessible attic space. So, if the attic you refer to is accessible by permanent means protection is required, if not fully accessible, only within 6 feet of the access area. :)
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

All NM that is within 6 ft of an access that doesn`t have a self contained stairway,7 ft. if it does.Another thing is subject to physical dammage.So watch area`s that have equiptment there.
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

320.23(A)
Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 7 ft of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, ....

This section does not permit installation of AC or NM cable to be installed on the face of floor joists, studs or rafters without some form of protection up to 7 feetabove the floor level from the floor or floor joist, if there are stairs or permanent ladders as access to the attic.

Pierre
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

Pierre read what you posted !!!!!!Was it above or away from ???
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

320.23(A) Where Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in attics and roof spaces that are accessible, the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.
Click to expand...
I do not see how this says anything about 7 feet above the floor level. :confused:
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

I know some like to use the handbook as reference, so take a look at page 318 of the 2002 handbook.

The reasoning for this protection is to keep the cables from being damaged by items being stored in these attics.

And yes it is 'within' 7 feet of the floor or floor joists, which means elevation.

Pierre
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

Originally posted by pierre:
And yes it is 'within' 7 feet of the floor or floor joists, which means elevation.

Pierre
Click to expand...
OK I got it, I think the wording is a little tough.

"7' within any direction" would seem more to the point. :p

Bob
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in attics and roof spaces that are accessible, the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as the cable.
Click to expand...
Bob, the wording is more than a little tough in my opinion. This one might make a good discussion in English class.

I have read this over and over and I'm not getting it. The wording is extremely poor if the intent is to protect the cables to a height of 7', or whatever it's trying to say.

I certainly understand the intent but as we all know intent doesn't get us very far.
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as the cable.

what does that mean?
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

Bob I agree with you,320.23 A is for nm installed in an attic.across the tops of joist is just that the top of them not extending below.Other articles are there for protection from physical damage below the ceiling level.In attic or roof spaces that are accessible!!!!!
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

Wayne, Pierre has taught me something here :) , that this requirement covers the cables above the scuttle hole too.

In my own house I have a scuttle hole near an exterior wall so roof rafters are close to the hole and it is conceivable while trying to jam something up into the attic you could damage unprotected cables run on the face of the rafters.

Part of 320.23(A)
Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding,
Click to expand...
Thanks Pierre. :)
 
Re: protection for NM cable (romex)

George, I was getting a little obstreperous and had to go take a nap. I think I'm okay now. Your intent about revising [320.23] 'Top of floor joists' could include [334.30]'Securing and supporting' for improving stapling techniques on attic truss top cord/ceiling joist surface locations. The 2005 [334.30] does not encourage easy interpretation in it's current revision. The added [334.30] sentence 'Sections of cable protected from physical damage shall not be required to be secured within the raceway'. Wow, does 'within' exclude surface raceway?

The statement connotes various fittings of creative design or maybe a guard strip, catwalk? I think an explicit description of the NM pathway over the structure grid in an attic is in order. Let me think about it a bit.

Maybe the NFPA might gradually allow visual graphic aids in the NEC. I need help in showing a pic in this forum. I have all graphic models in bmp and no PDF conversion at this time. Any help for other ways?

rbj, Seattle Please note: Above post was intended for Proposals for the 2008 NEC Attic Spaces, 320.23 thread.

Reply is for georgestolz.

[ April 05, 2005, 05:00 AM: Message edited by: gndrod ]
 
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